It’s been just over a week since the tragic news broke out about the Titan submersible incident that took place in the North Atlantic Ocean, near the wreck of the Titanic. This tragedy has left an indelible mark on the world, and especially on the families of the five individuals who lost their lives.
One of the passengers on board that fateful day was a 19-year-old university student named Suleman Dawood. Suleman was accompanying his father, Shahzada Dawood, on the expedition, which had been organized by OceanGate, an American tourism company that specializes in underwater expeditions.
The Dawoods, a prominent family from Pakistan with a vast business empire, were on this journey due to Shahzada’s lifelong fascination with the Titanic. Shahzada was a passionate enthusiast of the Titanic, and Suleman, who was eager to please his father, decided to accompany him on the trip, despite his apprehensions and fears.
In the days leading up to the voyage, Suleman expressed hesitation about the expedition. He admitted to a relative that he was “terrified” about the trip. He had a gut feeling that something might go wrong, but he ultimately decided to ignore his instincts to make his father happy, as the trip fell over Father’s Day weekend.
This detail strikes me particularly hard. It’s a reminder of the human element in tragedies like these, where lives are lost in the pursuit of adventure or discovery. It’s a reminder of how our decisions, large or small, can lead us down paths we never could have imagined.
What further disheartens me is the fact that safety concerns about the vessel were raised by numerous industry experts before the incident. Executives at OceanGate refrained from pursuing certification for Titan, asserting that overly stringent safety measures obstructed progress and innovation. It’s truly heartrending to think that maybe, just maybe, this disaster could have been averted if safety had been prioritized over innovation.
The Titan was a five-person submersible vessel, constructed from carbon fibre and titanium. The tragic outcome of this expedition has led me to question whether we sometimes underestimate the risks involved in venturing into nature’s most unforgiving environments.
I think of Suleman’s aunt, Azmeh Dawood, whose words echo in my mind. She described the agonizing wait for news about her brother and nephew, the disbelief and the heartache that comes with such a loss. I share her disbelief and her sorrow.
I can’t help but feel a profound sense of sadness for Suleman and his family. A young man, with a life full of potential ahead of him, lost to a tragedy that should have been preventable. If only he had followed his gut instinct. If only safety had been prioritized. If only…
As I reflect on this incident, my heart goes out to all the families affected by this tragedy, who are trying to come to terms with the loss of their loved ones. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heeding our instincts, prioritizing safety, and understanding the risks before embarking on any adventure, no matter how captivating or intriguing it may seem.
In the wake of this tragedy, I hope that the relevant stakeholders will take the necessary steps to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. I hope this incident will serve as a wake-up call for companies and individuals alike to respect nature’s boundaries and ensure the safety of all participants in their endeavours.
As we mourn the loss of the victims of the Titan submersible incident, let us not forget the lessons we need to learn from this tragic event. In their memory, let us strive to make safer, more informed decisions in our pursuits of exploration and discovery. In the end, no adventure is worth the cost of a human life.
